A new study published in Chemosphere found that dog toys can release BPA, potentially posing a threat to dogs’ health.
In short:
- Some popular dog toys release BPA when chewed or sucked on.
- BPA may then migrate into dogs’ saliva, where it could impact gene expression and harm dogs’ health.
- The authors also found that BPA can promote the formation of fat cells in dogs, potentially increasing their risk for obesity.
Key quote:
“Our findings suggest that companion dogs are at risk of BPA exposure, which may contribute to obesity in dogs. Therefore, the implementation of precautionary measures is crucial.”
Why this matters:
In addition to its effects on neurological development, the reproductive system, and cancer risk, BPA is also an obesogen that can increase exposed individuals’ susceptibility to obesity. Global obesity rates are increasing not only in humans, but in pets as well – about 54% of dogs in the US are overweight or obese. With very few studies on the presence of obesogens and other toxics in pet products, the authors of this study highlight the need for more research to better understand chemicals’ impacts on the health of both humans and animals.
Related EHN coverage:
Jerry Heindel, PhD, Director of Healthy Environment and Endocrine Disruptor Strategies (HEEDS), a part of Environmental Health Sciences, writes on the topic of obesogens:
More resources:
HEEDS has coordinated three comprehensive scientific reviews on obesogens and encourages more research on the potential effects of obesogens.
Park, Eun-Jung et al. for Chemosphere. June 10, 2024
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